Trusted Advisor
Glenn St. John-Colgan FIoD MCIPS, Founder & Managing Director
An innovative business leader and commercial professional with over 30 years’ experience working across multiple sectors.
Operating at Director level since 2003 with SMEs, multi-national corporations and UK Government, I have also established a number of successful businesses, growing them and leveraging their value for exit.
I enjoy working and developing new businesses across industries, bringing my business and commercial expertise to implement successful growth strategies, robust governance, financial visibility and profitable outcomes.
Over the last 5-years I have lent my experience to supporting start-up businesses and third sector organisations, focusing on good people, with good ideas and good values.
Leveraging my qualifications from the Institute of Directors, I perform roles as Non-Executive Director, Board Advisor, Observerand coach. I have chaired and been a member of Finance Committees, Strategy Committees, Business Growth and Governance & Risk Committees. I specialise in risk reduction, investor engagement and communication, alongside designing and implementing flexible governance structures protecting the Founders, investors and the business.
Are you looking for expert guidance to protect your investments, streamline operations, and drive growth effectively?
If you answered YES then we’re likely a good fit.
My mission is to offer strategic advisory services that safeguard founders and investors, ensure robust governance, mitigate risks, drive sales and growth, foster stakeholder harmony, and enhance overall business value.
Adding value through experience and perspective
Strategic Advisory Services
Your Business Wingman
Operating as Non-Executive, Board Advisor, Coach
Communication Champion
Protecting Founders and Investors through great communication
Governance Strategist
Establishing robust yet flexible Governance that is fit for purpose
Operational Risk Management Consultant
Risk reduction across operational delivery and growth
Sales & Growth Consultant
Sales & Growth through strategic planning and marketing
Stakeholder Relations Facilitator
Creating harmony between Board and Investors
Work History
Achievements & Contributions
Non-Executive Director, The Wise Group: 2021 to 2024, Board Member and Committee Chair (Finance Committee), Committee Member (Strategy), Committee Member (Sales & Growth), Committee Member (Governance). Seeing this charity double in size in terms of value, TO, and retained profits, but more importantly, the number of families and households they help.
Board Advisor, MEPlace: 2020, ongoing; investor and advisor to the industry leading start-up nursery supporting under 8s, our most precious gems. An original investor before our first site, I have seen and supported MEPlace in expanding to four (4) sites by the end of 2024, while improving investor engagement and governance.
Entrepreneur: 2004, ongoing; establishing businesses (consultancy, security, recruitment, and luxury FMCG) and developing them ready for acquisition or merger.
Senior Advisor, cross-Government: operating at the highest levels of government, I am a Cabinet Office qualified reviewer of high-risk programmes.
Parliamentary Advisor, to the Houses of Commons and Lords: 2015, to 2018, advising on all aspects of efficient operations in delivery and commercial activity ahead of the renovation of the entire estate, including the Palace of Westminster.
Directorships across public and private sectors: 2003, ongoing, I have held directorships in many organisations, national, international, conglomerate and SMEs alike.
Chair, Institute of Directors, (Hants & IoW): 2017 to 2020, I was an ambassador then Chair of the Regional IoD. I championed the IoD regionally and am judge on Director of the Year Awards. My view is that good directors make good decisions.
Committee Member, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce: 2017 to 2020, I represented SME engagement and the Public Sector in Chamber meetings.
Guest Speaker, Solent University, and Portsmouth University: November 2018, ongoing, I am a retained guest speaker providing business and commercial guidance to all levels of education and lecturers.
Chartered Committee Member, Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply; I contributed to the development and awareness, events and attraction, of this still important Institute.
Cost reduction programmes: a specialist in driving efficiencies in commercial spend and operation, across many sectors.
Operating at executive level since 2003, I have had the honour of leading organisations, small and large. I have championed seismic change within national businesses, establishing centres of excellence and fundamental business change affecting 9,000 staff across the UK.
As Strategic Procurement Director for the Department of Health, this extended to introducing the Collaborative Hub initiative, pushing local Trusts and hospitals to cooperate more, aggregating demand, improving value in the supply chain, and saving >£100 millions for the UK taxpayer.
Advising many Directors General across a number of Central Government Departments, holding Board positions across both private sector businesses, social enterprises and government, all have provided me with deep experience in leading, directing, and championing causes of change and improvement.
Experience in Leadership
Areas Of Expertise
My broad background provides a strong foundation to support most industries and sectors, including:
In terms of sectors, my experience includes technology, digital, resources, professional services, legal, construction, childcare, FMCG and more, providing a broad palate to draw from, but also to connect with.
As to specialisms, I have focused on sales, commercial delivery, procurement, contract management, project management and delivery, financial and legal.
Though joining the IoD in 2001, I admit to being disenfranchised with it, so in 2017, I got involved. I believe that cats should be fitter, not fatter and as such, I championed the education of directors and managers alike – the future directors, including universities and schools.
My sole mantra is: better directors make better decisions, supporting a better employee environment and consequently, a better social structure.
Institute of Directors: Personal History
Personal Contribution Experience
Industry experience: My senior positions across multiple sectors, industries, and specialisms provide a great foundation to give back, to advise, support, or lead as required. My experience also builds credibility with peers and my style is authentic.
Volunteer experience:
- NED of a charity
- Guest speaking at universities
- Working to raise thousands of pounds for causes such as Cancer Research, British Heart Foundation, and Alzheimer’s UK. This is one of my core values and I like to bring it to every organization I work with.
Board Support:
- I am highly motivated to change how businesses work, grow, and communicate.
- I believe in:
- Growing diversity in all businesses, in every manner.
- Breaking down barriers, opening great communication between Founders, Boards, and Investors, promoting greater investment and RoI confidence.
- Protecting Founders, Boards, and Investors through good governance. This has to be fit for purpose, useful, and flexible, not a hinderance.
- Growth through commercial acumen, cost analysis, and strong marketing.
- Wellbeing for all those involved, mental and physical. Good people, good ideas, good values all need to be championed. Great environments to work create greater profits and returns – not solely for that reason, but why not?
Eager to explore further? Contact me for a conversation.
Contact Form
Fill out the form below and we will contact you as soon as possible.
What's new at Augmentas
The Key Changes and Implications of the Procurement Act
Discover the transformative impact of the Procurement Act 2023, effective from October 2024, reshaping public procurement in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Failed Bid Review – How to Bounce Back Stronger
Learn how to turn a failed bid into a stepping stone for future success with our insightful guide on conducting a bid review. This article equips you with valuable insights to boost your chances of winning contracts.
Framework Procurement Guide for Public Sector Suppliers
We explore what frameworks and DPSs entail, the evolving procurement regulations, and most importantly, how you can successfully navigate this landscape to win business. Whether you are a seasoned supplier or an aspiring newcomer, this guide provides invaluable insights into preparing, applying, and thriving within the world of public sector procurement.
The Role of AI in Bid Writing: A brave new world or is it wasting our time?
Explore the Role of AI in Bid Writing: Uncover its potential, challenges, and impact on crafting winning bids. Join us on a journey through AI’s history, its benefits in bid efficiency, and the delicate balance between technology and human touch. Dive into the brave new world of bid writing with AI.
Are you doing enough to retain key incumbent contracts?
Keep Winning Incumbent Contracts with 5 Considered Strategies. Imagine doubling your chances of keeping contracts and boosting your business.
The Bidding Debrief: The Importance of Post-Outcome Analysis and Feedback
This article discusses the advantages of public sector bidding and the importance of the bidding debrief. It provides key questions for the review team and is ideal for those new to public sector bidding and looking to maximise their chances of success.
